How to distinguish between poisonous mushrooms and non-toxic mushrooms

Distinguishing between poisonous mushrooms and non-toxic mushrooms requires comprehensive observation of morphological characteristics, growth environment, and professional identification methods to avoid poisoning caused by ingestion.

1. Morphological Characteristics

Poisonous mushrooms often have bright colors or special patterns, such as the red cap of the poisonous fly umbrella with white spots. The color of gills is mostly white or light yellow, and some species may change color after injury. The base of the stipe often has a stipe or ring structure, such as the cup-shaped stipe of the Amanita genus. Non toxic mushrooms usually have a simple color, with gills mostly brown or pink, and no special accessory structures on the stem. However, relying solely on color is not reliable and needs to be combined with other features.

II. Odor and Texture

Toxic mushrooms often have a pungent odor, such as bitter almond or rotten taste, and some species' sap turns blue black when exposed to air. The texture is brittle and fragile, with milky white or colored juice seeping out after tearing. Non toxic mushrooms usually emit a light fragrance or no obvious odor, have a flexible texture, and clear juice. But some highly poisonous mushrooms, such as the white poisonous umbrella, have a mild odor and need to be carefully identified.

III. Growing Environment

Toxic mushrooms often grow in dark and humid places, such as near decaying wood and animal feces, and some parasitize on specific tree species. Non toxic mushrooms are commonly found in ventilated environments such as open grasslands and pine forests. However, environmental characteristics are only for reference, and toxic and non-toxic varieties may coexist in the same area, and cannot be used as the sole criterion for judgment.

4. Professional Identification Methods

Using spore prints for identification is a reliable method. The color of the spores can be obtained by attaching the cap to white paper. Toxic species are mostly white or green. Chemical detection methods can determine toxins through reagent reactions, such as muscarinic acid turning red when exposed to potassium hydroxide. Molecular biology identification can accurately identify species, but requires professional equipment and technical support.

V. Common Misconceptions

There is no scientific basis for folk methods such as blackening silver needles and rendering insects harmless. Some highly toxic mushrooms, such as deadly goose paste, can be eaten by slugs. The claim of cooking to detoxify is also unreliable, as toxins are resistant to high temperatures and have poor water solubility. The toxicity of the same mushroom may vary at different growth stages, with significant differences in morphology between young and mature mushrooms.

It is recommended to wear gloves when collecting mushrooms to avoid direct contact and take multi angle photos to record their morphological characteristics. For uncertain varieties, it is advisable to consult mycology experts and avoid risky consumption. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of poisoning such as nausea and vomiting occur, and keep mushroom samples for identification. You can learn the characteristics of common poisonous mushrooms in the local area through a picture book and participate in professional training to improve your identification ability. Pay attention to children and pets during outdoor activities, and avoid contact with suspicious fungi.